Elective course in Canda vs U.S

[oRoMiOo]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello everyone,

I'm an IMG. I'm planning to do neurosurgery residency in U.S. Last summer I took 8 weeks elective rotations in U.S ( 4 in neurology and 4 in pediatric neurosurgery).
I'm planning' to take another 8 weeks neurosurgery rotation next summer, but I'm confused whether to take it in U.S or in McGill University. So when applying to U.S residency to what extent it matters ?

Thank you

 

[sanityonleave]

Hello everyone,

I'm an IMG. I'm planning to do neurosurgery residency in U.S. Last summer I took 8 weeks elective rotations in U.S ( 4 in neurology and 4 in pediatric neurosurgery).
I'm planning' to take another 8 weeks neurosurgery rotation next summer, but I'm confused whether to take it in U.S or in McGill University. So when applying to U.S residency to what extent it matters ?

Thank you

You should do it in the US. Matching as an IMG in competitive fields in the US is very difficult, and one of the main things that could help your application would be strong letters of recommendation from a US clerkship.

That said, I'm sure you know this given how far you've progressed, but as a heads up: neurosurgery is an extremely competitive specialty. Last year, out of 195 neurosurgery spots in the US, there were 11 IMG matches -- 4 of which were US IMGs (US citizens who attended medical school outside the states), thus 7/195 or about 3.4% of those who matched were FMGs -- representing a match rate of about 26% of those that applied as "Independent Applicants" (including DO graduates, US IMGs, FMGs, and US graduates applying outside of their senior year).

I don't say that to scare you or intimidate you or anything of the sort, but if you aren't sure how competitive your profile is, it might be worth looking at other areas that might interest you in addition to neurosurgery if that does not work out. Good luck!